Plum Village (France) | This Is It - 30 Jun, 2023

When I found this quote, I decided to share some of the quotes and calligraphy by Thich Nhat Hahn that resonated with me while sharing my experiences. This Is It - this is my final post on my experience at Plum Village.

I sometimes reflect on how I lived when I was younger. During those days, I was often distracted and not present. Like many things, presence can only be shared if you have found it within yourself. For me, this began to change once I started my meditation practice.

One evening, after meditation, Brother Hy Ma read several Dharma passages. The story told the tale of Bodhisattva's (i.e., the enlightened one) exploration of death. When the Bodhisattva encounters a dead cow, he realizes he cannot avoid this fait himself. He return many times to see the cow in various states of decay. Each time reflecting on the ephemeral nature of his own life. Each time knowing he cannot escape the same faith as the cow. 

After listening to this story, I found myself reflecting on the meaning of time over several days. It seemed odd that time and clocks existed in a place like Plum Village. Why do we need clocks when everyone is practicing mindfulness? Why does time exist? How does time function in the natural world?  How does it compare to our manmade world? In the natural world are there other important phases other than a beginning, life, and an end? Can life exist independently of a clock? When does a clock become necessary? Is time anything more than a figment of The Mind?

The quote below seems simple, correct, breathe? I am always amazed at how easily our brains automate this process. Of course, I am alive. Therefore, I must be breathing, right? Physically yes. A zombie breathes too, but is it really living? The breath is an anchor point that allows me to ground myself in the moment. When I stop and connect with my breath, I become aware of the air moving in my nose and into my lungs. I can feel my belly and lungs expand. In these tiny moments, all the cells in my body also breathe through diffusion. I know I am alive in these moments and can sense everything that makes life wonderful.

I discovered this quote from Ty after I left Plum Village. It made me smile to read this quote. One of the reasons I left my last employer was that I knew my values and those of the organization were not aligned. However, when I read this quote, I also understood why I wanted to change careers. I now understand why certain themes frequently appeared.

A rancher friend once said, to a group of Wildlife Professionals at a conference, "It amazes me how much time we spend denying what we know. You have the perfect tool to pound a nail. Instead of grabbing the hammer (i.e., the perfect tool for the job), you spend countless hours trying to find another tool." I've never forgotten Tony Mamberg because of this. What Tony shared that faithful night also applies to Listening to Yourself. I know that my heart and body know what to do in every situation as long as I allow myself to listen. This is the second wing of the meditation bird that Brother Phàp Dám referred to - Deep Reflection.

One other quote was posted in the Dining Hall at Son Ha, which resonated with me. Happiness Cannot Be Found; It Can Only Be Experienced. Ty explains below. 

My cup overflowed from my experience at Plum Village. I sense that things will continue to surface for me long after I have left before arriving here. I could not have told anyone what was missing in my practice, but I now understand why I plateaued. For this experience, I am grateful and look forward to what will surface.